The O-yumi Shinji at Shimoadaki Shrine

Festival highlights

A highlight is the ritual of shooting arrows at a target at the beginning of the year to divine the will of the gods.

The o-daito, who serves as the archer, and the arrow retriever are selected in turn every 1 year, in household order, from among the districts under the shrine.

It is also said that placing the target’s crosspiece in a rice paddy keeps insects away and brings a good harvest, and that it can help with tooth decay. These traditions are tied to farming and everyday life.

A bow ritual passed down in Minase, entrusting a prayer to the first arrow of the year

What to expect

In the ceremony, the o-daito, who shoots the bow, and the arrow retriever each have a role.

The officiant and bow host are hereditary positions, while the archer and arrow retriever are selected every 1 year in household order from among the districts under the shrine.

It is said that in the past, once someone was chosen as o-daito, they undertook a year of ascetic purification, went to the seashore for purification with seawater, and did not shave for 1 year.

Location and access

Venue and address

Shimoadaki Shrine, Minase, Hidaka-gawa Town, Hidaka District

Address Minase, Hidaka-gawa Town, Hidaka District

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Dates and season

Season

Early in the year

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Origins and History of The O-yumi Shinji at Shimoadaki Shrine

The traditions of the miyaza and toya systems remain part of this ceremony.

The roles of officiant and bow host are inherited, while the districts under the shrine take turns every 1 year, in household order, providing the o-daito and arrow retriever.

In the past, archers are said to have undertaken a year of ascetic purification, purified themselves with seawater, and refrained from shaving. These customs convey the community’s roles and forms of faith.

Official information

The O-yumi Shinji at Shimoadaki Shrine is a Wakayama Prefecture-designated intangible folk cultural property.

It was designated on Showa 53August 18 and is introduced as a cultural property associated with the festival.

It is located in Minase, Hidaka-gawa Town, Hidaka District.

The O-yumi Shinji at Shimoadaki Shrine at a Glance

The O-yumi Shinji at Shimoadaki Shrine is a prefecture-designated intangible folk cultural property of Minase, Hidaka-gawa Town, in which arrows are shot at a target at the beginning of the year to divine the will of the gods.

This ritual is associated with prayers for protection from misfortune and a bountiful harvest, and the miyaza and toya systems, along with hereditary roles, have been passed down.

The fact that each district takes turns providing the archer and arrow retriever, as well as the sayings about the target’s crosspiece bringing a good harvest or helping with tooth decay, offer a glimpse into the ties between local life and faith.